An inexpensive ocean of love

We got off the car and got off at the top of the narrow lane leading to the ocean. It was a magnificent view. With shops on either side and the blue sea at the extreme end. The only thing stopping me from rolling into the ocean, was that rock wall a feet high. Clad in a white capris and a smudge off-shoulder top, I challenged him to a race. To reach the end of the wall, find the beach and touch the water. He was taller to me by almost a feet. It was inevitable that he would win. But I dint care then. For I was sure he would let me win. After all it was me.

As we closed the doors and started sprinting, I was right. He deliberately slowed down and I raced like I had never run before. Determined to show him I was faster than him and that my small legs would cover more distance.

He tagged my pony from the back and jumped a few steps forward. Just to tease me I knew. He turned and was running backwards down the slope as though to mock me that he was faster even when he was running backwards.

I screamed out asking him to be careful. He smirked and turned forward and started to run faster. I pushed more energy into running faster, and almost caught up with his white birded shirt, when I saw this beautiful blue pendant. The colour of the ocean on a mid noon, hung by a pale solver chain on a white stand. I brought myself to a stop. at the entrance of the store and slowly walked backwards to this beautiful sight. A small pendant with a blue stone at the bottom, like a drop of the ocean. Something personal. Unique and exquisite.

I stood there watching it as my fingers ran across my collar bone wondering how it would feel to don that. My eyes slowly drifted to the price tag below. 18 Euros it said. Not a big amount. But I was a mere student trying my hard to make my ends meet with 3 jobs and tuition everyday. I wouldn’t spend a penny more than what was needed. I knew I would never buy that. I couldn’t afford it. Not when I was even giving up buying medicines.

Gave up already?

He stood beside me and knocked on my head.

I looked at him excitedly and said, it s beautiful isn’t it. Absolutely stunning, I said as I turned back and looked at it across the window.

I dint know you were into jewellery.

I am usually not. But I just like doing window shopping. This one is absolutely gorgeous.

Well why don’t you buy it? He asked casually

I said, yeah right. I don’t even have enough money to buy food, and to think that I would even think about this. You know what? I turned to him with hands on my hips. You should buy it and give. After all it is your birthday. I said jokingly

Hey I don’t even have one job unlike you. You know about my zero savings. He said.

I know. I know. I said as I pinched his cheeks caressingly. Come let’s go, I said, as I held his hand and hopped down the road to the ocean.

We reached our friends, a few shops ahead. Some of them took a smoke break while the rest of us were discussing if it had to be the food or the ocean first. As I was almost winning the argument of ocean first, he turned me to face the window. While I was about to turn and look at him, he sshed me and fidgeted behind me. His hands towering above my short frame from the back, he placed something around my neck and the the sun shone bright on the blue stone.

Hey, but how, why… this was too expensive. I asked shocked.

I know but a birthday deserves a gift.

But it is your birthd…..

Ssshhh, I know. With hands on my shoulders, he brought bringing his smiling face on level with mine. As we both looked at each through the window silently acknowledging the special bond, he said. ‘Happy birthday’.